Jennifer Lopez’s new movie has debuted with a glowing rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as the emotional sport/drama has proven a hit with viewers.
The On The Floor hitmaker, 55, is famous for her acting as well as producing club bangers, with previous projects including Maid in Manhattan (2002), The Boy Next Door (2015), and Hustlers (2019).
Her latest role is that of Judy Robles, starring opposite Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in the William Goldenberg-directed flick Unstoppable.
Thanks to its starry cast – which also features Don Cheadle and Michael Peña – Unstoppable lands on RT with a score of 75% as fans flock to Prime Video to see what the hype is about.
Unstoppable is based on a powerful true story.
It follows Robles, who was born with one leg, as he surpasses all expectations to become a champion wrestler in college, competing against the school that once rejected him.
His determination and formidable spirit make his life story one of real hope and strength.
Now aged 36 and with a national championship in his locker, Robles is also an author and motivational speaker.
The biopic of his life has been produced by Ben Affleck (J Lo’s ex-husband) and Matt Damon’s production company Artists Equity, with Lopez starring as Robles’ mother.
Her performance has been widely praised, with critics and fans alike lauding her ‘tender’ portrayal of Judy.
Jerome’s leading performance has also received standout reviews, with critic John Anderson writing on Rotten Tomatoes: ‘Audiences will be rooting for Anthony, thanks almost entirely to Mr. Jerome.’
‘Lopez has given standout supporting performances in U-Turn, Out of Sight and An Unfinished Life, yet none has been as accomplished and quietly effective as her role as a downtrodden working-class mum in this rousing underdog story,’ pens Kevin Maher.
Other positive reviews include that of Maureen Lee Lenker, who says: ‘The movie is well made and it’s a lovely celebration of a real-life hero.’
Meanwhile, David Rooney writes: ‘Lopez gives a tender and entirely convincing performance as a mother whose unshakeable belief in her son is a crucial part of his foundations.’
As for audiences, Prime viewers have given it an impressive 96% overall, with 4.6 stars out of 5.
‘What an amazing performance by Jennifer Lopez. The story is inspiring. A must watch!’, reads on review.
‘like honestly the chemistry between JLO and Jharell Jerome is Magnificent . a must see movie . i believe it’s time for JLO to grab that oscar’, agrees Moe C.
Although, it’s fair to say others needed more convincing that the film was worth the price of a Prime subscription, with Leonard Maltin questioning whether the storytelling was ‘too straightforward’ and Thomas Floyd claiming the payoff was ‘lackluster’.
Speaking about her part in the movie, Lopez said she was able to ‘prepare’ by speaking with Robles’ mother in real life.
‘She talked to me about how she felt the first time Anthony walked onto the mat and the way the adults looked at him, as well as the way the kids looked at him. She was really helpful,’ she shared.
‘When you’re playing a real person, which I’ve done a few times, there’s a fine line between doing an imitation and just soaking up the essence of who somebody is.
‘I’d write notes in a big binder, which became bigger and bigger as we went on.’
Unstoppable is available to watch now on Prime Video.
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